Newberry County Experiences School Safety Emergencies
Newberry, S.C. — Early Wednesday morning, chaos erupted in Newberry County as two separate incidents compromised the safety of local schools. Authorities were called to investigate a school shooting hoax, while the day prior, a bullet was discovered in the hallway of Newberry High School.
What Happened?
The disturbances began when a social media post warning of potential school shootings spread rapidly among students and parents. The post mentioned threats directed at Newberry High School, Newberry Middle School, and other unnamed schools. According to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, this warning was said to indicate possible incidents on Thursday, Friday, or the following Wednesday.
Immediate Reactions
As the message circulated, it caused significant concern among parents. Sheriff Foster described the situation, saying, “It’s gone wild, people are calling the school and saying they are not going to bring their children to school.” He likened the atmosphere to “people yelling fire in a movie theater,” underscoring the panic created by the post.
Investigation Results
Upon investigation, law enforcement officials identified a minor as the source of the post. The girl stated that her intention was to warn classmates about overheard threats. Sheriff Foster noted that the recent incidents are connected to the heightened fear following a shooting event in Georgia.
Bullet Discovery Raises Concerns
The day before the hoax, school officials at Newberry High School found a bullet in the school’s hallway. This bullet reportedly fell from a student’s book bag while he was in a playful exchange with another individual. According to the student, the bullet was discovered at his bus stop prior to coming to school.
Parental Concerns
The bullet incident has left many parents anxious about their children’s safety. One grandfather expressed his worries, suggesting that the school should implement more stringent security measures, such as metal detectors. Sheriff Foster clarified that there are currently no permanent metal detectors in Newberry County Schools due to the high costs associated with installation.
Disciplinary Actions and Legal Concerns
While the students involved are likely to face disciplinary actions within the school district, Sheriff Foster added that pursuing criminal charges is complicated. “We don’t know about criminal charges because we can no longer charge students for disturbing school,” he explained, highlighting the limitations in current laws regarding juvenile offenses.
Calls for Legislative Change
In light of these events, Sheriff Foster has urged state lawmakers to revisit school safety regulations to better protect students and staff in educational environments. In the meantime, all schools in Newberry County do have access to handheld metal detectors and work with a private security firm to utilize detection dogs for guns, drugs, or other weapons.
Conclusion
As parents and students continue to navigate these troubling times, the focus remains on ensuring a safer school environment. The incidents from this week have sparked a conversation about the necessity of improved security measures and the consequences of misinformation in schools.
